Duncan family matriarch passes away

FS MIDWESTSTAFF

FS Midwest

ST. LOUIS -- The
Cardinals announced today that Jeanine Duncan, the wife of former pitching coach Dave Duncan, has passed away after a long battle with brain cancer.

Jeanine Duncan also is the mother of Chris Duncan, a former Cardinals outfielder, and
Shelley Duncan, an outfielder in the Tampa Bay Rays organization.

"The entire Cardinals organization was saddened upon hearing of the recent passing of Jeanine Duncan," the Cardinals said in a statement. "Jeanine fought her illness with courage and dignity. She will always be remembered as a devout wife and mother who supported her baseball family with passion and encouragement.

"We wish to extend our thoughts and prayers to the entire Duncan family and their many friends."

Jeanine Duncan was diagnosed with a Stage IV brain tumor in August 2011. She had surgery to remove the tumor and her husband took a leave of absence from the team to be with her. He returned for the Cardinals' postseason run to the World Series championship that season, then retired to support her during her ongoing treatment.

The next fall, doctors discovered that Chris also had a brain tumor, though it was less advanced than his mother's. Chris underwent surgery to remove the tumor. He has since returned to work as an analyst at FOX Sports Midwest and 101 ESPN Radio.

Services are planned for 11 a.m. June 15 at Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis.